Tribute

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Audrey Dale Kier (née LeBlanc), born on February 16, 1955. Audrey passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, at the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, BC. She was 69 years old.
Audrey was the cherished daughter of the late Margaret and Stewart LeBlanc and sister to Sidney LeBlanc and Patrick Hynes. She is survived by brother Bernie LeBlanc and by her devoted husband of 43 years, Larry Kier.
A loving mother, Audrey is survived by her children, Karli Martin (Mike), Heather Newton (David), and Braeden Parrott (Anna), and step-children David Kier(Lyn), Graham Kier and Shannon Kier (Chad). She was a proud grandmother to Kayla Samograd, Spencer Parrott and Holden Newton, Kaia and Jackson Martin, Aaron Kier, Isaac and Ethan Parrott.
Audrey grew up in Cowichan Bay and spent her life in the Cowichan Valley. She attended St. Anne’s school, Queen of Angels school and graduated from Cowichan High school in 1973.
Audrey worked locally at Super Value, in forestry services and then spent the remainder of her career at Malaspina College/ Vancouver Island University as an instructor of computer skills, teaching adult students to re-enter the workforce and in Student Services before retiring at 55.
Audrey had a passion for gardening and could always be found tending to her lush and bountiful garden. She loved spending summers on Lake Cowichan, boating and enjoying the company of her many close friends and family. An avid traveler, Audrey spanned the globe over the years with her husband and traveling companion Larry. She loved learning about other cultures, different peoples and seeing new sights throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean. Winters were spent in Mexico living the good life.
10 years ago, Audrey was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She received a stem cell transplant in 2015 and fought so hard to stay earthside with her family and friends. She cultivated deep and meaningful relationships with her grandchildren and her treatment allowed her to meet 3 new grandsons. Audrey remarked that she was blessed to live two lifetimes and for that she was very grateful.
Audrey wrote a poem while in the hospital, which beautifully captures her spirit:

When my days are here and gone,
and you’ve committed my earthly remains,
you’ll find me in the morning light,
in the evening breeze,
you’ll find me in the water,
looking for that one last light.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to hematologist Dr. Thomas Nevill, who said a resounding “yes” to the possibility of treating MDS and the option of a stem cell transplant. Because of his expertise and knowledge, we gratefully received an extra nine years of precious life with Audrey. Thank you to Dr. Susan Barr, whose kindness and compassion was so appreciated over the years. A special thank you to Cathy and Dan Altice, and (Auntie) Wendy Dingler for their support and friendship over the years. A special thank you to a remarkable young man, Troy, for the gift of life (stem cell donor).
Audrey had been heard to reiterate Hunter S Thompson’s famous quote “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” Audrey lived life big and bold and on her own terms, and experienced so many amazing things in her life, I think she could say this with full confidence.
Audrey’s wishes would be, for all who are able; to consider signing up to join the stem cell registry, or to donate blood products and platelets, which could possibly be the gift of life.

A celebration of life to be held in Audrey’s garden on Saturday, September 14 from 12:00-2:00 pm. 6566 Somenos Road.